As we've seen over the years, Kobe has the ability to power through a myriad of injuries and do it well.

UPDATE: Tuesday, October 30 at 2:29 p.m. ET by Tyler Conway

Good news for the Los Angeles Lakers may spell an opening-night loss for the Dallas Mavericks, as shooting guard Kobe Bryant is 85 percent sure he'll play on Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Times' Mike Bresnahan:

Kobe Bryant says he is "85%" sure he'll play tonight in the Lakers' season opener against Dallas.

Though it looked bleak at one time, it's starting to look like a lock that the Black Mamba will be on the court.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Tuesday, October 30 at 11:12 a.m. ET

Good news for Lakers fans and fantasy owners as Kobe Bryant is progressing. The Black Mamba took to his Facebook page to update the public on his recovery:

Getting stronger. Not sure what it means for tomorrow night just yet but it’s much better than it was a week ago when I could barely walk. I hate not practicing. It drives me crazy! The training staff has been great. Mr. Laker, Gary Vitti, and the great Judy Seto (the first female trainer in the NBA) have been working their magic.

I will know more after shoot around tomorrow am. It's still painful to raise up on my toes but, it’s strong. The decision to be made is whether the injury can heal while playing on it or if it will make it worse. Either way, I'm excited about the start of the season. Hopefully we can win a game or two finally ;-)Till tomorrow..Mamba out

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UPDATE: Monday, October 29 at 6:45 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney

Head coach Mike Brown has officially labeled Bryant as a "game-time decision" for Tuesday's season-opener against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers should probably play things safe with their superstar, especially consider the amount of talent on the team, but it's still hard to imagine Kobe sitting out when there is any chance of him suiting up.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Monday, October 29 at 5:57 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

According to Lakers.com reporter Mike Trudell, Bryant's status for Tuesday night's regular-season opener against the Mavericks is still uncertain, but there is reason for optimism:

'I don't know if he'll be ready,' Brown said after the Lakers 97-91 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. 'So yeah, I guess there is question. I'm just going to wait for [Lakers trainer] Gary Vitti to tell me he can play because there's nothing I can do about it until they release him anyway.'

...Bryant's injury is classified as a strain, and the team is officially saying he is out indefinitely. However, Bryant reported some improvement in his foot to team officials prior to Wednesday's shootaround.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Wednesday, October 24 at 2:08 p.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

As expected with the regular season approaching, the Lakers will hold Kobe Bryant (foot) out of the team's final two preseason games, according to Lakers.com's Mike Trudell.

Kobe Bryant (foot) will not play in L.A.'s final two preseason games. He'll be re-evaluated over the weekend.

Yes, it’s only the preseason, and this likely won’t stop him from playing on opening night (Oct. 30 vs. Dallas Mavericks), but it is concerning for an injury to pop up right before the grueling 82-game season even begins.

What’s even more of a red flag is his comments about the injury when speaking with Mark Medina of the L.A. Times:

Bryant said he'd still probably sit out if it was a regular season game.

The good news for Laker fans is the incredible talent surrounded by No. 24.

With the additions of Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, the offensive load can be spread out more than ever before. Sure Kobe will still be relied upon to handle the ball with the game on the line, and odds are he’ll still be looking to hoist 20 shots a game, but the pressure to score has decreased significantly.

If he needs to sit out a few games to rest his foot, then so be it. Bryant doesn’t need to rush back from injuries anymore. Give him as much time as he needs.

This is a marathon not a sprint, and just because Kobe may not be 100 percent right off the bat, doesn’t mean there is a cause for concern in Laker Land.